Amygdala Volumes in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Meta-analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies
AbstractWe conducted meta-analysis in order to determine if there are significant differences in left and right amygdala volume in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) compared to a control group. Twenty-three studies fulfilled inclusion criteria for our study. Right amygdala volume was significantly larger in ASD patients compared to controls (Hedges βg 0.44; 95% CI 0.04 β0.83;Zβ=β2.26;pβ=β0.024), while there was no significant difference in left amygdala volume between ASD patients and controls (Hedgesβg 0.44; 95% CI βββ0.10β0.98;Zβ=β1.67;pβ=β0.095). However, between-study heterogeneity was significant so there is an unequivocal need for new uniform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies to get a more precise answer to the question of whether there is a difference in amygdala volume between ASD patients and controls.
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - Category: Child Development Source Type: research